ABU DHABI // They were supposed to be teammates earlier this year in the Indian Premier League for Kolkata Knight Riders. For very different reasons, the West Indies cricket captain Chris Gayle and the Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar never managed to share the same changing room.
Gayle was injured before returning home to lead the Windies in the series against Australia.
The story was slightly different for Akhtar. He had just been banned for five years following a clash with fellow paceman Mohammed Asif in which he hit him with a bat.
The pair had previously been banned for two years in 2005 after testing positive for the banned anabolic steroid nandrolone. Asif, who spent 19 days in a Dubai jail for allegedly possessing a recreational drug before being deported, is currently facing a two-year ban for testing positive for nandrolone during the IPL.
Akhtar, 33, who still faces a ban from the Pakistan Cricket Board and a hefty fine, seems to court controversy wherever he goes.
That was despite being the first man to break the 100 miles an hour record for a delivery in 2002.
However, yesterday, at the nets housed at the academy pitches adjoining Abu Dhabi's Zayed Cricket Stadium, he was all smiles as he raced in off his full run-up.
And Gayle, 29, the West Indies' opening batsman, is relishing locking horns with his old adversary when they two teams contest the Fortune Cup, which begins on Wednesday.
"He is the fastest bowler I've ever faced," said Gayle, who recently became a US Dollar millionaire thanks to leading the Stanford Superstars' victory in Barbados.
"Shoaib is always a challenge to take on and I don't see this as being any different. He is a top fast bowler."
Gayle and his counterpart Shoaib Malik cut relaxed figures as they faced the media. Malik has been under increasing pressure in recent days, despite his side not playing a Test match this year due to the troubles in Pakistan. Malik was part of the squad for the one-day series against Sri Lanka last year, which Pakistan won 2-1.
"Abu Dhabi is a great place to be," he said. "Not just for cricket but for enjoyment as well, so the players are really looking forward to it. We are well prepared and the players are confident that we can play good cricket."
His sentiments were echoed by Gayle, who said: "It's the first time I have been here and we are really looking forward to seeing the place and playing some competitive cricket."
The matches will be day-night affairs with tickets ranging from Dh25 to 300.
mwalker@thenational.ae
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Ovo's tips to find extra heat
- Open your curtains when it’s sunny
- Keep your oven open after cooking
- Have a cuddle with pets and loved ones to help stay cosy
- Eat ginger but avoid chilli as it makes you sweat
- Put on extra layers
- Do a few star jumps
- Avoid alcohol
Get inspired
Here are a couple of Valentine’s Day food products that may or may not go the distance (but have got the internet talking anyway).
Sourdough sentiments: Marks & Spencer in the United Kingdom has introduced a slow-baked sourdough loaf dusted with flour to spell out I (heart) you, at £2 (Dh9.5). While it’s not available in the UAE, there’s nothing to stop you taking the idea and creating your own message of love, stencilled on breakfast-inbed toast.
Crisps playing cupid: Crisp company Tyrells has added a spicy addition to its range for Valentine’s Day. The brand describes the new honey and chilli flavour on Twitter as: “A tenderly bracing duo of the tantalising tingle of chilli with sweet and sticky honey. A helping hand to get your heart racing.” Again, not on sale here, but if you’re tempted you could certainly fashion your own flavour mix (spicy Cheetos and caramel popcorn, anyone?).
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Test series fixtures
(All matches start at 2pm UAE)
1st Test Lord's, London from Thursday to Monday
2nd Test Nottingham from July 14-18
3rd Test The Oval, London from July 27-31
4th Test Manchester from August 4-8
THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
